CHICAGO – In his continuing efforts to promote environmentally-friendly ways of growing the local economy, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced today more than $55,000 in Opportunity Returns grants that will help implement new recycling programs in Kankakee and Joliet. These recycling grants are administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and come as a part of Opportunity Returns, Gov. Blagojevich's pro-active, regional economic development strategy designed to create jobs and spur growth in Northeast Illinois.
“Growing our economy in a way that helps our environment can be accomplished by investing in companies and communities that are expanding the local recycling industry. By supporting these grassroots efforts to launch innovative recycling programs, we are lessening the demand on our landfills and creating more jobs for our working families,” Gov. Blagojevich said.
Kankakee County has been awarded a $8,185 grant to help it implement a recycling collection program in nine county government facilities. Commercial recycling rates within Kankakee County are currently low, and this grant will help the county lead by example. This project is expected to divert additional recyclable commodities from being landfilled in Illinois and will help the county advance the goals it established in its adopted Solid Waste Management Plan. For additional information please contact: Donna Shehane - 815-937-2940
The University of St. Francis, located in Joliet, is receiving a $47,019 grant to assist with the implementation of a comprehensive campus recycling collection program. This project will provide extensive recycling opportunities to the approximately 2,270 students, faculty and staff. The recycling program is expected to divert more than 132 tons of recyclables in its first year. For additional information please contact: Gina Wysocki - 815-740-3397
“Gov. Blagojevich and I are committed to creating new opportunities to grow our economy in ways that also protect our environment. This investment will pay important dividends for years to come,” State Senator Debbie Halvorson (D-Crete) said.
"It is important that we set good examples for our young people. One such example is the recycling program at the University of St. Francis. Through this program, we are ensuring that recycling becomes a routine part of everyday life on campus. We are also delivering a message to tomorrow's leaders of the importance of being responsible caretakers of our environment," said State Senator Arthur "A.J." Wilhelmi (D-Joliet).
“We all know that recycling is critical to protecting the environment, but it’s also important for local government to lead by example. By providing this grant, Gov. Blagojevch is allowing Kankakee County to implement a recycling program which will greatly increase participation throughout our community and fuel the creation of more jobs down the road in this vital industry,” said State Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee).
“Gov. Blagojevich and I are both committed to growing our economy in a way that not only creates good jobs but helps protect our environment as well. This grant will get more people to recycle, strengthen a growing industry that is creating good jobs and reduce the burden on our landfills. That makes for a great investment in our community,” said State Rep. Jack McGuire (D-Joliet).
“Gov. Blagojevich understands that strategically investing in recycling is both an environmentally and economically sound decision. This is helping to turn what could have become our trash into a reusable commodity that is spurring private investment and putting more and more people to work. These types of progressive partnerships are what Opportunity Returns is all about,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.